William de Warenne, 2nd Earl of Surrey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William de Warenne
|
|
|---|---|
| Died | 11 May 1138 |
| Resting place | Lewes Priory, Sussex, England |
| Title | 2nd Earl of Surrey |
| Tenure | 1088–1101 and 1103–1138 |
| Nationality | Norman |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth of Vermandois |
| Parents | William de Warenne, 1st Earl of Surrey Gundrada |
|
|
|
William de Warenne, who lived until May 11, 1138, was an important English nobleman. He was the second person to hold the title of Earl of Surrey. People often called him 'Earl Warenne' instead of 'Earl of Surrey'. His father, also named William de Warenne, was the first Earl of Surrey.
Contents
William's Early Life
William de Warenne inherited many lands from his father in 1088. These lands were in England and also in Normandy, France. His father was one of William the Conqueror's most trusted friends. He was also one of the richest people in England.
William de Warenne received castles like Mortemer and Bellencombre in Normandy. But William was not as eager to serve the king as his father had been.
In 1091, William helped a friend named Hugh de Grandmesnil. They defended a place called Courcy against other powerful leaders.
A Royal Marriage and Royal Trouble
In 1093, William wanted to marry Edith of Scotland. She was the daughter of the Scottish king. However, Edith later married Henry I of England instead. This might have been why William strongly disliked King Henry I for many years.
When Robert Curthose, the Duke of Normandy, invaded England in 1101, William joined him. But Duke Robert quickly gave up to King Henry I. Because of this, William lost his lands and titles in England. He was sent away to Normandy.
William complained to Duke Robert that he had lost everything trying to help him. In 1103, Duke Robert went back to England. He convinced his brother, King Henry, to give William his earldom back. William's lands and titles were returned to him.
Loyalty and Battles
To make sure William stayed loyal, King Henry I thought about having William marry one of his daughters. But the Archbishop of Canterbury, Anselm, said no. He said they were too closely related.
William was a commander on King Henry's side at the Battle of Tinchebray in 1106. This battle was against Robert Curthose. After proving his loyalty, William became more important in King Henry's court.
In 1110, Duke Robert's son, William Clito, escaped. King Henry then gave William de Warenne the lands of Saint-Saens. These lands were very close to William's own properties in Normandy. This made William even more loyal to King Henry. If William Clito returned, William de Warenne would lose these new lands.
William also fought for King Henry I at the Battle of Bremule in 1119. He was with King Henry when the king died in 1135. After the king's death, there were problems in Normandy. William was sent to protect the city of Rouen and the area called Pays de Caux.
Giving to Others
William gave money and land to several religious places called priories. These gifts were recorded in official papers between 1130 and 1138. He gave to Longueville Priory and Bellencombre Priory, both near Rouen in Normandy. His sons and his wife were often there when these gifts were made.
William de Warenne died on May 11, 1138. He was buried at Lewes Priory, next to his father. His wife, Countess Elizabeth, lived longer than him. She died before July 1147.
William's Family
In 1118, William finally married a woman with royal connections. He married Elizabeth of Vermandois. She was the daughter of Hugh I, Count of Vermandois. Her grandfather was Henry I of France, the King of France. Elizabeth had been married before to Robert de Beaumont, 1st Earl of Leicester.
William and Elizabeth had three sons and two daughters:
- William de Warenne, 3rd Earl of Surrey
- Reginald de Warenne: He inherited his father's lands in Normandy, including the castles of Bellencombre and Mortemer. Reginald was involved in disagreements with Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170.
- Ralph de Warenne
- Gundred de Warenne: She married twice. First to Roger de Beaumont, 2nd Earl of Warwick, and then to William de Lancaster. She is remembered for removing King Stephen's soldiers from Warwick Castle.
- Ada de Warenne: She married Henry of Scotland, 3rd Earl of Huntingdon. Ada was the mother of two future Scottish kings. She also gave many gifts to Lewes Priory.
